Chapter 153: Man of the Match
On the pitch, Utrecht maintained control of the match. The three-goal cushion allowed them to manage the game’s closing stages professionally, conserving energy while denying Zwolle any hope of a comeback.
In the eighty-second minute, Takagi nearly added a fourth goal, striking the post after another flowing Utrecht move. The Japanese midfielder had integrated seamlessly, maintaining the attacking fluidity that Amani had established.
"Utrecht continuing to dominate even after Hamadi’s substitution," the commentator noted. "The foundation he laid in the first sixty-three minutes has given them complete control of this match."
This observation acknowledging influence extending beyond physical presence represented another dimension of Amani’s impact. Beyond direct involvement stood structural influence, the ability to shape a team’s performance in ways that persisted even after substitution.
As the game entered its final minutes, the stadium atmosphere remained buoyant opening day optimism now reinforced by a convincing performance. Groups of supporters began singing Amani’s name again, the chant spreading through different sections of the stadium like ripples in water.
The System’s mission flashed briefly in Amani’s mind as he watched from the bench: Become man of the match without scoring a goal or assisting. He had created chances, dictated the tempo, made a crucial defensive intervention, and orchestrated Utrecht’s attacking play. Had it been enough?
The referee’s whistle signaled the end of the match. Utrecht 3, PEC Zwolle 0 a comprehensive victory to start the Eredivisie season.
Players from both teams exchanged handshakes and jersey swaps, the traditional post-match rituals that reconnected opponents as fellow professionals after ninety minutes of competition.
As Amani walked toward the tunnel alongside his teammates, the stadium announcer’s voice echoed through the Galgenwaard:
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Eredivisie Man of the Match, as selected by our panel of experts... number thirty-seven, Amani Hamadi!"
The stadium erupted once more. A fifteen-year-old, in his first Eredivisie start, had been named Man of the Match despite recording neither a goal nor an assist a recognition of influence that transcended conventional statistics.